Future consumers get a taste of agriculture at on-farm school events

Last month, we joined forces with Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF) to create two exciting and immersive ‘Focus on Farming’ events for primary and secondary students, where they were able to experience farm life first-hand and meet experts from the industry.

More than 100 primary school students were welcomed to Birkdale Farm, a sheep and arable farm in North Yorkshire, where they spent the day exploring how food is produced. From hands-on activity stations to guided walks around, students got up close with crops, livestock and the people who make it all happen.

Later in the month, 120 secondary school students joined the Lawton family at their dairy farm in Wiltshire – a LEAF Demonstration Farm. The event was oversubscribed, reflecting the growing interest among schools in connecting students with real-world farming experiences.

North Farm provided the perfect setting for students to experience the realities of modern farming, where cutting-edge technology and environmental care go hand in hand. From precision agriculture to biodiversity conservation, students explored how innovation and sustainability are shaping modern food production.

In addition to experiencing life on a working farm and meeting professionals from across the agri-food sector, the students took part in hands-on activities designed to highlight the role of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in agriculture.

One highlight was an AHDB-led pork workshop, where students were introduced to the pork industry and learned about the importance of good husbandry and animal welfare.

Elsa Healey, AHDB Senior Education Manager, said:

“Experiential learning like this – delivered in partnership with farmers and industry experts – brings classroom learning to life by linking the curriculum to the real world. It’s inspiring to see how engaged the students are as they explore agriculture in action.”

Carl Edwards, LEAF Director of Education and Public Engagement, said:

“Events like these provide a valuable opportunity for young people to be connected to the agricultural industry to drive understanding and appreciation of sustainable food production, to empower them to make climate positive food choices and identify future career opportunities.

“The huge support from host farmers and wider industry partners has really showcased the best of the industry to the students and teachers.”